"DEAR ZOE,
I'M SORRY YOU
GOT SO MAD!!!
JACK
Dear Jack,
Please try
again.
Love,
Ms. Rice "
It can be hard to watch! Someone known to many, through media or otherwise, offers an apology for past behavior or mistakes made. It often comes off as something that just needs to be done; one is not really certain that there is any honesty or regret being shown. Apologizing and truly meaning it seems a lost art in today's social media world. Learning to apologize and mean it takes time, patience, and genuine appreciation for the hurt that has happened.
As you can see from looking closely at the cover, Jack is not in an apologetic mood. In fact, he appears to be quite obstreperous. Readers are left to wonder why, before opening the book to see what is happening inside. Told with few words - handwritten notes convey the story's message - it is a tale that begs conversation.
Jack is shown throwing a scrap of paper with the single word SORRY into the wastebasket. A turn of the page shows his demeanor clearly; while his classmates do their very best to continue with their work and ignore his anger. Sharpening the pencil he will use for the second note is accompanied by much grumbling, and evident concern from those sharing the class with him.
Telling Zoe he's sorry she got mad doesn't cut it with Ms. Rice, whose return note asks him to think again. Through a lot of note-writing, and a teacher's kind advice to keep trying, Jack eventually learns to think beyond his own anger and consider Zoe's feelings after her castle was knocked over. Another note from Ms. Rice suggests thinking about three things (what I did, that I'm sorry, and I'll help you fix it). Jack writes a heartfelt note that clears the air and helps Zoe accept his apology. The final two notes between friends are carefully scripted by both and show real understanding.
Apologizing and meaning it can be a lost art for kids and adults. It's hard to do, and takes a lot of concerted practice. Kyle Lukoff, as he did recently in Just What to Do, tackles issues that inspire meaningful conversations about empathy and emotions. Lucky are those kids who listen to these books and are allowed to respond to what they are hearing, and how they are feeling about what is being said.
Julie Kwon's inked, then colored and collaged artwork gives emotional clarity to Jack's feelings as he struggles to find the right words for Zoe. In the meantime, Ms. Kwon uses classroom backgrounds to show other scenarios that require an early years teacher's unlimited patience and attention as the school day progresses, while also working to help Jack in the kindest way.
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